Aged Care Aids: Tips for Caring for the Elderly at Home

Seeing a loved one grow old was the most heartbreaking experience for me, and I’m sure many of you would agree. Whether it’s a parent, a grandparent, a relative or a friend, the idea of placing them in a nursing home isn’t something we look forward to. That’s why more and more Australians opt for letting their loved ones age in the comfort of their own homes while being taken care of the people closest to them. However, taking care of an elderly and weak person at home is a very demanding responsibility, both physically and emotionally. Although it will take great devotion from you as caretaker, there are also numerous aged care aids and equipment that can lessen the weight on your shoulders and help the individual in important tasks such as the following ones.

mobility-wheelchairs

Mobility

Mobility is one of the biggest obstacles for elderly individuals as well as their caretakers. However, there is a variety of aged care aids and equipment designed to make moving around the house as safe and easy as possible. They can range from simple stability aids such as canes and walkers to advanced mobility wheelchairs and knee scooters. The home should also be modified accordingly for the use of this type of aged care equipment. The usual home modifications are rather simple and include replacing old door knobs with door level handles that require the least amount of physical effort, installing ramps that make stairs accessible for wheelchairs, leveling entryways and removing potential hazards.

bathroom-disability-aids

Personal Hygiene

For an elderly person, the bathroom is perhaps the most difficult room to use as it presents many safety risks. The slippery surfaces combined with the presence of water, the rough edges and generally private nature of the bathroom make the bathroom the place where falls and injuries are most likely to occur. Luckily, this tricky area can be made safer with the help of the right bathroom aids. Grab rails, for instance, can offer stability and support for getting in and out of a bathtub or shower, or using the toilet. If the person lacks the ability to bathe or shower standing up, shower chairs and commodes can be of great care. Non-slip mats placed on the floor and in the bathtub or shower can significantly reduce the risk of slipping.

jar-openers

Mealtime

While eating may be the simplest of tasks in your daily life, for a senior with decreased hand strength, stiffness or a reduced sense of grip, it presents a big challenge. However, there is a variety of specialized cutlery and crockery that is much lighter and modified to allow easier use. Like for instance, scoop dishes, non-spill cups, jar openers, bendable forks and spoons, and a lot more depending on the needs of the person.